WO1994022667A1 - Element et procede electrographiques - Google Patents

Element et procede electrographiques Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1994022667A1
WO1994022667A1 PCT/US1994/003626 US9403626W WO9422667A1 WO 1994022667 A1 WO1994022667 A1 WO 1994022667A1 US 9403626 W US9403626 W US 9403626W WO 9422667 A1 WO9422667 A1 WO 9422667A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
layer
image
electrographic
dielectric
adhesive
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1994/003626
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Douglas Allan Cahill
Richard Scott Himmelwright
Dene Harvey Taylor
Donald Armand Brault
Anthony Keith Webb
Original Assignee
Rexham Graphics Incorporated
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US08/115,563 external-priority patent/US5363179A/en
Priority claimed from US08/219,395 external-priority patent/US5483321A/en
Application filed by Rexham Graphics Incorporated filed Critical Rexham Graphics Incorporated
Priority to EP94912935A priority Critical patent/EP0691904B1/fr
Priority to DE69417022T priority patent/DE69417022T2/de
Priority to AU65294/94A priority patent/AU6529494A/en
Priority to CA002159594A priority patent/CA2159594C/fr
Priority to JP6522425A priority patent/JP3071465B2/ja
Publication of WO1994022667A1 publication Critical patent/WO1994022667A1/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B38/00—Ancillary operations in connection with laminating processes
    • B32B38/10—Removing layers, or parts of layers, mechanically or chemically
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B38/00—Ancillary operations in connection with laminating processes
    • B32B38/14—Printing or colouring
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B44—DECORATIVE ARTS
    • B44C—PRODUCING DECORATIVE EFFECTS; MOSAICS; TARSIA WORK; PAPERHANGING
    • B44C1/00—Processes, not specifically provided for elsewhere, for producing decorative surface effects
    • B44C1/16—Processes, not specifically provided for elsewhere, for producing decorative surface effects for applying transfer pictures or the like
    • B44C1/165—Processes, not specifically provided for elsewhere, for producing decorative surface effects for applying transfer pictures or the like for decalcomanias; sheet material therefor
    • B44C1/17—Dry transfer
    • B44C1/1712—Decalcomanias applied under heat and pressure, e.g. provided with a heat activable adhesive
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B44—DECORATIVE ARTS
    • B44C—PRODUCING DECORATIVE EFFECTS; MOSAICS; TARSIA WORK; PAPERHANGING
    • B44C1/00—Processes, not specifically provided for elsewhere, for producing decorative surface effects
    • B44C1/16—Processes, not specifically provided for elsewhere, for producing decorative surface effects for applying transfer pictures or the like
    • B44C1/165—Processes, not specifically provided for elsewhere, for producing decorative surface effects for applying transfer pictures or the like for decalcomanias; sheet material therefor
    • B44C1/17—Dry transfer
    • B44C1/1733—Decalcomanias applied under pressure only, e.g. provided with a pressure sensitive adhesive
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G13/00—Electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G13/22—Processes involving a combination of more than one step according to groups G03G13/02 - G03G13/20
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/14—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for transferring a pattern to a second base
    • G03G15/16—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for transferring a pattern to a second base of a toner pattern, e.g. a powder pattern, e.g. magnetic transfer
    • G03G15/1625—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for transferring a pattern to a second base of a toner pattern, e.g. a powder pattern, e.g. magnetic transfer on a base other than paper
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G5/00—Recording members for original recording by exposure, e.g. to light, to heat, to electrons; Manufacture thereof; Selection of materials therefor
    • G03G5/02—Charge-receiving layers
    • G03G5/0202—Dielectric layers for electrography
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G5/00—Recording members for original recording by exposure, e.g. to light, to heat, to electrons; Manufacture thereof; Selection of materials therefor
    • G03G5/14—Inert intermediate or cover layers for charge-receiving layers
    • G03G5/142—Inert intermediate layers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G7/00—Selection of materials for use in image-receiving members, i.e. for reversal by physical contact; Manufacture thereof
    • G03G7/0006—Cover layers for image-receiving members; Strippable coversheets
    • G03G7/002—Organic components thereof
    • G03G7/0026—Organic components thereof being macromolecular
    • G03G7/004—Organic components thereof being macromolecular obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G7/00—Selection of materials for use in image-receiving members, i.e. for reversal by physical contact; Manufacture thereof
    • G03G7/0006—Cover layers for image-receiving members; Strippable coversheets
    • G03G7/002—Organic components thereof
    • G03G7/0026—Organic components thereof being macromolecular
    • G03G7/0046—Organic components thereof being macromolecular obtained otherwise than by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds

Definitions

  • This invention relates to electrographic processes for making color images. More particularly, this invention relates to electrographic processes and the elements used therein for the production of large size, full color images. Description of Related Art The use of electrographic processes to generate images, including multicolor images, is well known in the art. In such processes, a latent image in the form of a distribution of electric charges is produced directly on a substrate having a dielectric surface using an electrographic printer.
  • the printer operates by depositing charge imagewise onto the dielectric surface of the substrate using a scanning stylus or a plurality of styli may be used, are arranged in linear arrays across the width of the moving dielectric surface to create charge patterns.
  • the latent image is then made visible by applying toner particles which adhere to the charged areas on the charged surface.
  • Color images may be generated using serially positioned charge depositing and toning stations which operate sequentially to apply three or four colors on a moving web to generate a colored image thereon.
  • a problem with the resulting toned image is that it is vulnerable to damage in handling and viewing.
  • Protective coatings for the toned surface are often used to give resistance to abrasion, UV light degradation, bacterial degradation, molds and fungi, unwanted markings especially graffiti or to chemical degradation from water, smog or other chemical agent by applying an additional coating by lamination or spray to the electrographic image.
  • U.S. Patent 5,108,865 One such transfer process of electrographically produced toner images is disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,108,865.
  • a liquid toned image is generated on the surface of an electrographic element.
  • the image is adhered to the adhesive surface of an intermediate receptor sheet which comprises a carrier layer, releasable release layer, and a transferable adhesive layer secured to the release layer.
  • the intermediate receptor sheet with the image adhered thereto is removed from the electrographic element, and the toned image now on the intermediate receptor sheet is contacted with a final receptor surface.
  • the adhesive layer secures the toned image, adhesive layer and release layer to the final receiving layer and the carrier layer is removed from the release layer.
  • European Patent Publication No. 0437073 A2 (E.P. Application No. 90313976.4), describes an electrographic imaging process in which an intermediate toned image is formed on a temporary dielectric receptor. The intermediate image is then transferred from the temporary dielectric receptor to a permanent receptor.
  • electrographic imaging process of this invention in which a specially developed electrographic imaging element is used to produce an image on a receptor surface.
  • Such an electrographic imaging process and associated element for forming an image on a receptor surface in accordance with the present invention comprises the steps of:
  • An electrographic element for use with the above process comprises a base and a transparent imaging layer structure, the imaging layer structure including a transparent dielectric layer which is adapted to remain over the toned image such that the toned image is between the receptor surface and the dielectric layer.
  • the imaging layer structure includes an adhesive layer, which may be combined with the dielectric layer into a single layer to form a combined transparent dielectric and adhesive layer, whose adhesive properties are activated at a pressure and, optionally, a temperature which are above ambient pressure and temperature of the electrographic element.
  • the base layer is typically a conductive layer which includes a release layer in contact with the image structure layer.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an electrographic element structure for use with the process of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the base structure of the element of figure 1.
  • Figure 3 is a schematic representation of the imaging layer structure of the element of figure 1.
  • Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a preferred electrographic element structure having combined dielectric and adhesive layers for use with the process of the present invention.
  • Figure 5 is a schematic representation of an apparatus useful for imaging the electrographic element in accordance with this invention.
  • Figure 6 shows in a schematic representation an imaged electrographic element in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 7 shows in a schematic representation the element of figure 4 laminated onto a permanent receptor.
  • Figure 8 shows in a schematic representation the final image on the permanent receptor, after the base has been removed.
  • Figure 9 shows a cross sectional view of the laminated composite of the imaged electrographic element and the permanent receptor taken along line 9-9 of the illustration of figure 8.
  • Figure 10 illustrates in schematic representation the process of lamination of the element onto a permanent receptor followed by the stripping of the base.
  • Figure 11 illustrates in schematic representation the situation where the adhesive layer is placed on the permanent receptor surface.
  • an electrographic element 10 is shown for use in the present invention.
  • the element comprises a conductive base (11) and an imaging layer structure (21) coated over said base.
  • the imaging layer structure (21) has an image receptive surface (23).
  • the base (11) functions as a support to the superposed layers and may be any web or sheet material possessing suitable flexibility, dimensional stability and adherence properties to those layers. Typically, the base will have an electrical resistivity of about 1 to 30 meg-ohm per ⁇ .
  • Suitable web or sheet materials for the base are flexible polymeric films, e.g., such as polyethylene terephthalate film and the like, or a foraminous material, e.g., such as a paper sheet and the like, treated to be electrically conductive or semi-conductive.
  • Other suitable materials are for instance, metal foils, metallized polymeric films such as polyethylene terephthalate films having a metallic coating thereon, conductive paper sheeting and the like.
  • the base may itself comprise a multilayer structure.
  • the base may include a carrier sheet (12) which is conductive, having a front side (17) and a back side (13) The front side (17) is covered by a release layer (15) over which is placed the imaging layer structure (21).
  • a conductive layer (14) is coated over the carrier sheet (12) between the carrier sheet and the release layer.
  • the back side (13) of carrier sheet (12) is also covered by a conductive layer (19).
  • the carrier sheet (12) is again a flexible web or sheet material, which may again be a flexible polymeric film, e.g., such as polyethylene terephthalate film and the like, or a foraminous material, e.g., such as a paper sheet and the like.
  • a conductive layer (14) may be coated over the carrier sheet (12) or the carrier sheet (12) may or may not be itself conductive.
  • the conductive layer (14) preferably comprises a film- forming material which may be an organic material, e.g., such as a cation type styrene-methacrylate copolymer having an electrical resistivity of about 1 to 30 meg-ohm per D.
  • film-forming, organic materials include polymeric quaternary ammonium compounds, polystyrene sulfonic acid, polymeric matrices capable of ionizing inorganic electrolytes contained therein, and the like.
  • the film-forming, organic material may be used alone or with conductive, inorganic materials and/or metals dispersed therein, e.g., such as tin oxide, aluminum and the like.
  • the release layer may also be heat cured, U.V. radiation cured, or electron beam cured.
  • the release layer may itself be conductive or contain conductive agents such as a quaternary ammonium polymer, and may further include a surfactant. Good release performance has been obtained when the surface energy of the release layer is between 20 and 40 dynes/cm and preferably between 25 and 35 dynes/cm.
  • the imaging layer structure (21) used in this invention is transparent.
  • a transparent imaging layer structure is one in which the layers and combination of layers of the structure, allow sufficient radiation transmission in at least one region of the visual spectrum to allow the visual observation of a toned image placed on one side of said layer structure from the other side of the layer structure.
  • the imaging layer structure (21) may also comprise one or more distinct layers each having a specific function.
  • Figure 3 shows such a structure which includes a protective layer (19), a dielectric layer (20), an adhesive layer (22) and may even include a conductive layer (18), placed in the order shown. All of these layers must be transparent.
  • the imaging layer structure includes only the dielectric layer (20).
  • the dielectric layer (20) may be any conventional film-forming material having a dielectric constant of about 2 to about 5.
  • the layer (20) typically has a thickness in the range of about 1 ⁇ m to about 20 ⁇ m and preferably in the range of about 5 ⁇ m to about 15 ⁇ m.
  • the layer (20) typically comprises one or more polymers selected from polyvinylacetate, polyvinylchloride, polyvinylbutyral, polymethylmethacrylate, styrenated acrylics, styrene acrylonitrile, and the like. Other ingredients may be chosen from waxes, polyethylene, alkyd resins, nitrocellulose, ethylcellulose, cellulose acetate, shellac, epoxy resins, styrene-butadiene copolymers, clorinated rubbers, polyacrylates, and the like.
  • the property requirements of the dielectric layer (20) are well known in the art as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patents 3,920,880 and 4,201,701.
  • this layer it is preferred for this layer to have a high degree of transparency. Transparency is aided by avoiding the use of opaque pigments, and by minimizing the content of other pigments, light scattering or light absorbing materials.
  • the dielectric layer is formulated for solvent coating, or it may be formulated from hot melt extrudable resins and coated using hot melt extrusion techniques. Still referring to figure 3, the imaging layer structure may include in addition to the dielectric layer 20, an adhesive layer (22) as a separate layer.
  • the adhesive layer (22) may be a substantially tack- free, thermal adhesive which is activated at a pressure and a temperature that is above the normal ambient pressure and temperature of the electrographic element prior to use.
  • the adhesive layer (22) may be chosen from a variety of conventional thermal adhesive materials.
  • the thermally activated adhesive material is comprised of thermoplastic polyurethanes; polycaprolactone; acrylic copolymers; and combinations thereof.
  • Representative thermally activated adhesive materials include Morthane ® CA-116 urethane resin (a product of Morton International); Tone ® Polymer P767E biodegradable plastic resin (a product of Union Carbide); Elvax ® 240 vinyl resin (a product of Dupont Chemicals); and the like.
  • the adhesive layer (22) is visually transparent in at least one region within the visible spectral region and typically is transparent throughout the visible spectral region.
  • the surface of the adhesive layer (22) may be rough to ensure good transfer of charge during passage of the element under the stylus bar during imaging. This roughness can be obtained by including in the layer particles sufficiently large to give surface irregularities to the layer. Particles of diameter in the range of about 1 ⁇ m to about 15 ⁇ m are suitable. Particle composition and size are chosen to give the required dielectric constant to the layer as well as the appropriate surface topography and abrasive properties to the layer
  • the adhesive layer may be placed not on the electrographic element, but on the surface of a substrate serving as a permanent receptor, on which it is desired to transfer the electrographic image as described bellow as shown in figure 11.
  • the surface of the permanent receptor that will receive the image is coated with an adhesive to form an adhesive layer (22').
  • the adhesive may be one that is spayed thereon, e.g. 3M ScotchTM Brand Spray MountTM Artists Adhesive, particularly where the surface or overall nature of the receptor is such that other coating methods are impractical; or the adhesive may be coated with a roller, or again applied by lamination or other coating techniques.
  • the adhesive layer (22') may exhibit tackiness at room temperatures, or may be non tacky at room temperatures and be heat or pressure activated.
  • Heat activated adhesive layers may be chosen from a variety of conventional thermal adhesive materials and may be the same as described above for use in the adhesive layer (22).
  • adhesives used on the receptor surface need not be transparent.
  • the adhesive layer (22') on the receptor surface may be created just prior to image transfer, or may be created ahead of time at a different location from where the transfer is to occur. If tacky at room temperatures, the adhesive layer (22'), may be protected with a removable cover sheet which is be removed prior to use and discarded.
  • the electrographic element may be formulated to provide the necessary resistance to abrasion and U.V. or other detrimental radiation as well as contain biocides and fungicides to act as a protective layer.
  • Butvar ® polyvinyl butyral in the dielectric formulation for instance results in a dielectric layer with excellent resistance to scratching.
  • a protective layer (19) separate from the dielectric layer may be provided, as shown in figure 3.
  • the protective layer (19) is a polymeric film material which is resistant to scratching, abrasions and the like, and to environmental components and contaminants, and may also include biocides and fungicides.
  • the protective layer (19) is also visually transparent in at least one region within the visible spectral region and typically is transparent throughout the visible spectral region.
  • Polymeric materials which are useful in making this layer include polyvinyl chloride; polyvinyl butyral; cellulose acetate propionate; cellulose acetate butyrate; polyesters; acrylics; polyurethanes; styrene copolymers, e.g., such as styrene acrylonitrile; and combinations thereof.
  • This layer typically has a thickness in the range of about 0.5 ⁇ m to about 10 ⁇ m and preferably in the range of about 1 ⁇ m to about 4 ⁇ m. Such layer typically will withstand scribing with the point of a 4H pencil without breakthrough. In certain instances it may be desirable to include a transparent conductive layer (18) as a part of the imaging layer structure.
  • the conductive layer (18) comprises a film-forming, organic material, e.g., such as a cation type styrene- ethacrylate copolymer having an electrical resistivity of about 1 to 30 meg-ohm per D.
  • Suitable film-forming, organic materials include polymeric quaternary ammonium compounds, polystyrene sulfonic acid, polymeric matrices capable of ionizing inorganic electrolytes contained therein, and the like.
  • the film-forming, organic material may be used alone or with conductive, inorganic materials and/or metals dispersed therein, e.g., such as tin oxide, aluminum and the like.
  • Figure 4 shows a preferred electrographic imaging element in accordance with the present invention which comprises a base comprising a conductive carrier sheet (12) and a release layer (15).
  • the element further includes a combined dielectric and adhesive layer (16).
  • This combined dielectric and adhesive layer (16) may be any conventional transparent film-forming material having a dielectric constant of about 2 to about 5.
  • This layer typically has a thickness in the range of about 1 ⁇ m to about 20 ⁇ m and preferably in the range of about 5 ⁇ m to about 15 ⁇ m.
  • This transparent combined dielectric and adhesive layer (16) typically comprises one or more polyesters; polyurethanes; polyamides; polyolefins; polycarbonates; polystyrenes; and/or polymers or copolymers of acrylic or methacrylic acids, esters, amides, or the like (such as polymethylmethacrylate) , styrenes, acrylonitriles, vinyl esters, alkyd substituted vinyl esters, vinyl alcohol, vinyl acetals (e.g., polyvinyl butyral), vinyl chloride, vinyl fluoride, vinylidene chloride, 1,4-dienes (e.g., butadiene, isoprene and the like); ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymers; copolymers of styrene with acrylic and methacrylic monomers; modified cellulosic resins such as cellulose acetate and cellulose acetate butyrate; block copolymer thermoplastic rubbers (e.g. , st
  • the combined dielectric and adhesive layer (16) in addition to its dielectric properties, is activated at a pressure and, optionally, at a temperature that is above the normal ambient pressure and temperature of the electrographic element prior to use to exhibit its adhesive properties.
  • the combined dielectric and adhesive layer is non tacky prior to activation.
  • the surface of the imaging layer structure (21) may be made rough to ensure good transfer of charge during passage of the element under the stylus bar during imaging. This roughness can be obtained by including in the uppermost layer particles sufficiently large to give surface irregularities to the layer. Particle composition and size are chosen to give the required surface topography and abrasive properties to the layer. Particles of diameter in the range of about 1 ⁇ m to about 15 ⁇ m are suitable.
  • the imaging layer structure (21) may contain in any of its layers, components which strongly absorb ultraviolet radiation thereby reducing damage to underlying images by ambient ultraviolet light, e.g., such as 2-hydroxy- s benzophenones; oxalanilides; aryl esters and the like; hindered amine light stabilizers, such as bis(2,2,6,6- tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl) sebacate and the like; and combinations thereof.
  • the imaging layer structure serves as a protective layer to the transferred toned image after the image has been transferred onto a receptor substrate as will be described bellow, and is preferably selected to withstand scribing with the point of a 4H pencil without breakthrough.
  • a matte surface on the finished image can be obtained by including in at least one of the layers of the image layer structure particles sufficiently large to give surface irregularities to the layer. Particles of average diameter in the range of about 1 ⁇ m to about 15 ⁇ m are suitable.
  • the novel electrographic imaging process comprises the following steps:
  • An electrographic toned image is created on the image receptive surface (23) of the imaging layer structure (21) of an electrographic element of the type described above.
  • an electrographic printer of the type shown schematically in figure 5.
  • Such printers are well known in the art and typically may comprise an image source which may be a computer (40), and a mechanical arrangement for generating an image on an electrographic element.
  • the computer (40) in addition to providing image information to the printing station of the printer, usually also controls all functions of the printer, including driving an electrographic element (10) through an imaging station (43) which may comprise an array of styli (44).
  • the computer addresses the styli and instructs them to deposit a predetermined amount of charge on the image receptive surface (23) of the electrographic element.
  • a latent image in the form of a charge distribution is thus formed on the image receptive surface (23) of the electrographic element (10).
  • the element is next transported through a toning station (46) where an appropriate toner is applied onto the image receptive surface to produce a toned image (48) as shown in figure 6.
  • the toning station may include a fixing substation where the applied toner is fixed, by drying,.heat or pressure or any combination thereof, onto the image receptive surface (23).
  • a colored image is desired to be reproduced the above process is repeated with additional toners of different colors, in either sequentially arranged imaging and toning stations or by passing the element under the same imaging station and replacing the toner in the toning station.
  • Color reproduction usually requires three and preferably four different color toners to render ⁇ a pleasing and accurate facsimile of an original color image.
  • the selection of toner colors and the creation of the different images whose combination will provide such accurate rendition of an original image is well known in the art and not the subject of the present invention.
  • the image (48) created on the image receptive surface in accordance with the present process is a mirror image of the desired reproduction.
  • the image (48) is next transferred onto a permanent receptor (50), which may be any substrate on which one desires to have the image placed.
  • a permanent receptor 50
  • Figure 7 illustrates this step.
  • Figure 9 is an elevation cross section taken along '9-9' of figure 7, showing the imaged element adhered onto the permanent receptor (50) following lamination.
  • the permanent receptor (50) typically functions as the final support for the imaged electrographic element formed during the process steps of this invention.
  • the permanent receptor (50) may be any substrate having a surface upon which an electrographic image is to be placed for display. Typically, it is a web or sheet material possessing dimensional stability and adherence properties to the toned image layer of the imaged electrographic element.
  • the web or sheet material may be a flexible polymeric film, e.g., such as polyethylene terephthalate film and the like; a foraminous material, e.g., such as a paper sheet, textile fabrics, and the like; metal films or webs, e.g., such as aluminum, steel, tin-plate, and the like; or any composites or laminates thereof.
  • the permanent receptor may be a rigid or semi-rigid sheeting or plate, e.g., such as sheeting or plates of metal, glass, ceramic, plastic. cardboard, brick wall, papers, paperboards, wood, leathers and composites of the above or laminates thereof.
  • the permanent receptor may vary in size from that of a photographic print, e.g., having an area of about 30 cm 2 or less, to that of billboards, e.g., having an area of about 70 m 2 or greater.
  • the permanent receptor may also be surface treated or coated with a material to enhance desired surface characteristics.
  • the surface of the permanent receptor that will receive the image is coated with an adhesive to form adhesive layer (22').
  • the adhesive may be spayed thereon, or it may be coated with a roller, or again applied by lamination or other coating techniques.
  • the receptor substrate is preferably pressure laminated onto the surface of the toned image layer structure (21) of the imaged electrographic element (10), preferably at a temperature which is above the ambient temperature. Referring to Figure 10, the receptor substrate (50) is contacted and pressure laminated to the toned image layer (21) using an applied pressure (31) to the back side of the base (11) and receptor substrate (50) to form a laminated imaged electrographic element (30).
  • the receptor substrate (50) typically is pressure laminated to the toned image surface of the imaged electrographic element (10) under an applied pressure (31) of about atmospheric pressure or greater but may range from about 0.5 kg/cm 2 to about 100 kg/cm 2 or more.
  • applied pressure is intended to mean the absolute pressure which is applied to a unit area of the surface as conventionally derived from the geometry of the pressure means, e.g., the geometry of the laminating nip, in combination with a measurement means, e.g., a calibrated gauge pressure.
  • Suitable means that may be used to apply pressure include platen presses; counterpoised, double roll, laminating devices; scanning, single roll, laminating devices; vacuum laminating devices; and the like.
  • roll laminating devices are preferred since they readily minimize air entrapment between the toned image layer and the receptor substrate during the pressure laminating process step. Vacuum may be applied with such devices to further eliminate air entrapment.
  • the flexible imaged electrographic element (10) typically is pressure laminated to the receptor substrate (32).
  • Heat may be used in the pressure laminating step (step (B)) of this invention to raise the temperature of the adhesive (22), (22'), or combined dielectric and adhesive layer (16) from its normal ambient temperature (e.g., room temperature) where it is substantially tack-free, to a temperature at which the adhesive properties are activated. Heat may be applied to the adhesive or combined dielectric and adhesive layer prior to and/or concurrently with the application of the applied pressure (31).
  • the receptor substrate (50) and/or the imaged electrographic element (10) may be heated prior to pressure lamination by radiant or contact heaters and then laminated while hot.
  • the pressure means itself may also function as a heater, e.g., such as a hot roll laminator, or both prior and concurrent heating may be used in combination.
  • a laminating temperature of about 100°C or greater is employed.
  • temperature is measured on the surface of the heated roll or platen by means of temperature sensitive tape.
  • the process of this invention surprisingly strong adhesion of the toned electrographic element (10) to the receptor substrate (50) is achieved with substantially no image distortion, even though the toned image layer (48) is interposed between the imaging layer structure and the receptor substrate (50).
  • the base is also transparent and if the particular application so requires, the process is terminated at this point.
  • inexpensive carrier sheet for the base which is neither transparent nor does it weather satisfactorily, so in the preferred mode, the base is stripped from the laminated element, leaving the image receptive layer overlaying the toned image to act as a protective layer for the transferred image to protect the image from scratching, abrasions, environmental components and contaminants, and the like.
  • the base layer (11) is peeled off, using a peel force (41), from the surface of the image layer structure (21) to form an imaged electrographic element.
  • the base layer (11) is peeled with a peel force (41) directed at an angle of 90° or more from the surface of the image layer structure.
  • the peel rate and the peel force (41) are not critical and preferred values will depend on the nature of the conductive and carrier materials.
  • the temperature at which the base layer (11) is peeled from the image layer structure will depend on the properties of the release layer.
  • the base layer (11) can be removed immediately after formation of the imaged electrographic element (30) (i.e., while still in a heated state from the lamination in the second process step) without delamination of the imaging layer structure (21) or any of the component layers.
  • the term "immediately” is intended to mean a time span of about 1 minute or less and preferably between about 1 second and about 20 seconds. Still more preferably the base is removed after about 5 to 10 seconds.
  • the base layer In the practice of the process of this invention where the base layer is to be removed, it is preferred to keep the base layer in place on the imaged electrographic element throughout storage and processing in order to prevent any damage or marring to the underlying layers. In this instance, removal of the base layer is the very last step in preparing and mounting the protected electrographic image. As has also been surprisingly found, the base need not be removed immediately.
  • the formed laminated imaged electrographic element (30) may be cooled and stored before removal of the base. In thi ⁇ instance, the base layer (11) can be removed at room temperature from the imaged electrographic element (30) without delamination of the image layer structure from the receptor.
  • the imaged electrographic element (30) may be reheated prior to removal of the base layer (11).
  • the electrographic process of this invention will now be illustrated by the following examples but is not intended to be limited thereby. A number of products by different manufacturers are used in this invention and in the examples below. The following is a reference table for identifying such products and their respective trade names.
  • Chemistat ® 6300H electroconductive polymer is a product of Sanyo Chemical Industries and is a cation type styrene-methacrylate copolymer in aqueous solution.
  • Butvar ® B-76 polyvinyl butyral (weight ave. molecular weight: 90,000-120,000) is a product of Monsanto Company, St. Louis, Missouri.
  • Butvar ® B-79 polyvinyl butyral (weight ave. molecular weight: 50,000-80,000) is a product of Monsanto Company, St. Louis, Missouri.
  • E-342 Acrylic resin is a product of Rohm and Hass and is a solvent based modified acrylic copolymer.
  • Syloid ® amorphous silica is produced by Davison Chemical Division, W.R. Grace & Co. , Baltimore Md. in various average particle sizes (6)
  • Hydrocarb ® PG3 wet ground calcium carbonate with average particle size of 3 ⁇ m is a product of OMYA, Proctor, Vermont.
  • Piccolastic ® A-5 low molecular weight polystyrene is a product of Hercules Co., Wilmington, Delaware.
  • Dowanol ® PM is propylene glycol mono methyl ether and is a product of Dow Chemical Corp.
  • Kraton ® FG-1921X is a styrene ethylene butylene styrene block copolymer thermoplastic rubber and is a product of Shell Oil Company, Houston, Texas.
  • Calcined clay is Translink ® calcined clay, and is a product of Englehard Corporation, Edison, N.J. (11) Lustran ® 33-1000 SAN resin is a styrene- acrylonitrile copolymer and is a product of Monsanto
  • Morthane ® CA-116 urethane resin is a hydroxyl terminated polyurethane elastomer and is a product of Morton-Thiokol.
  • Cellulose acetate propionate is C.A.P. 504-0.2 cellulose ester, a product of Eastman Chemicals.
  • Hexamethoxymethylmelamine is Cymel ® 301 melamine- formaldehyde crosslinking resin, and is a product of Cyanamid Corporation.
  • Chemistat ® 7005 electroconductive polymer is a product of Sanyo Chemical Industries and is an aqueous solution of a polycationic water-soluble organic polymer.
  • the light yellow liquid contains approximately 40 % active ingredients, has a pH of 4.5, and a viscosity at 25°C of 330 cps.
  • Example 1 An electrographic element having the structure shown in figure 2, was prepared as follows: A 70 g/m 2 opaque conductive paper available from Chartham Paper Mills, Canterbury, Kent, U.K. was coated by the reverse gravure method with a silicone release layer (SWM 96"C" available from Release International, West Chicago, Illinois) at a coated weight of 1.46 g/m 2 and cured by electron beam radiation. This formed a conductive carrier sheet having a release layer thereon. The surface electrical resistivity of the release layer measured at 50% relative humidity (RH) was 9 Mohm/square, the surface energy was between 25 and 30 dynes/cm, and the Sheffield Smoothness was 25 ml/min.
  • RH relative humidity
  • a conductive coating was prepared from the following ingredients:
  • the three ingredients were mixed together with a Lightnin Mixer for 10 minutes.
  • This coating was applied to the side opposite the release coating on the conductive paper by the rod coating method at a wet coat weight of 15.6 g/m 2 and dried.
  • the resulting coated conductive paper formed the conductive base for this element.
  • a combined dielectric and adhesive coating mixture which also has protective properties, and wherein the adhesive properties are heat activated, was prepared from the following ingredients:
  • the first three of the above ingredients were added to a Kady mill and the Butvar ® was stirred in. After 15 minutes of mixing the acrylic resin and the polystyrene were added. After a further 5 minutes of mixing the calcium carbonate and the amorphous silica were added and the mixing continued for 10 minutes.
  • the above dielectric mixture was applied to the release coated surface of the conductive base paper by reverse roll coating and dried to give a dry coat weight of 7.3 g/m 2 , to form the electrographic element.
  • Rolls of the electrographic element were moisturized to a level of from 6 to 7% by weight and a four color toned image layer was deposited on the adhesive protective dielectric layer using a Versatec ® 8944 Color Electrostatic Printer (a product of Xerox Engineering Systems, San Jose, California) using standard toners and plotting conditions. Observed image quality was rated high.
  • the element was next laminated onto a receptor surface by first laying the imaged electrographic element on a receptor sheet of ScotchCalTM 220 pressure sensitive vinyl (a product of 3M Co., St. Paul, Minnesota) with the toned image in contact with the receptor sheet.
  • This composite was then passed through the hot nip of an IT 6000 hot roll laminator (obtained from Image Technologies Corp., Cottage Grove, WI.) at a speed of 0.61m/min, at a temperature of 121°C and a pressure of 7.03 Kg/cm 2 .
  • the base sheet was removed approximately 10 sec. after the laminated composite was removed from the hot nip.
  • the toned image and the dielectric coating remained adhered to the vinyl and the release coating remained on the paper.
  • the image surface had a low glare surface with a 75° gloss of between 30 and 35%.
  • the image was not removed by 810 ScotchTM Brand Tape when tested with the tape pull procedure.
  • Example 2 An imaged electrographic element prepared as disclosed in example 1 above was laminated onto a Hi-Stat ® Static Cling Vinyl receptor substrate using the laminator and laminating conditions also disclosed in example 1.
  • Hi-Stat ® Static Cling Vinyl is a product of Catalina, of Calabassas, California. Results were similar to the results of example 1.
  • An imaged electrographic element prepared as disclosed in example 1 above was laminated onto a Saturn Opaque Banner ® Vinyl receptor substrate using the laminator and laminating conditions also disclosed in example 1.
  • Saturn Opaque Banner Vinyl ® is a product of ICG Co., Kingsport, Tennessee. Result ⁇ were similar to the results of example 1.
  • Example 4 An imaged electrographic element prepared as disclosed in example 1 above was laminated onto an Ultramag ® Vinyl Coated Magnetic Material receptor substrate using the laminator and laminating conditions also disclosed in example 1.
  • Ultramag ® Vinyl Coated Magnetic Material is a product of Flex ag Industries, Cincinnati, Ohio. Results were similar to the result ⁇ of example 1.
  • Example 5 An imaged electrographic element prepared a ⁇ di ⁇ clo ⁇ ed in example 1 above was laminated onto a Komatex ® Rigid PVC Board used as the receptor substrate, using the laminator and laminating conditions also disclosed in example 1.
  • Komatex ® Rigid PVC Board is a product of Karlerling Co. of Germany, distributed in this country through Mederling Co. , Montvale, New Jersey. Results were similar to the results of example 1.
  • Example 6 A roll of an toned, imaged electrographic element prepared as disclosed in example 1 was mounted on the top feed spool of an IT 6000 hot roll laminator and threaded through the nip so that the base side of the element contacted the top hot roll for several inches before the nip.
  • a roll of ScotchCalTM 7725 pres ⁇ ure ⁇ ensitive vinyl (a product of 3M Co., St. Paul, Minne ⁇ ota) was mounted on the bottom feed spool and threaded through the nip so that vinyl side was in contact with the image side of the electrographic element.
  • the composite was laminated in the hot nip at a speed of approximately 0.61m/min, a temperature of 121°C and a pressure of 7.03 Kg/m 2 .
  • the laminated composite was collected on the take-up spool of the laminator.
  • the base was removed approximately 5 minutes later. The image and the dielectric coating remained adhered to the vinyl and the release coating remained on the base.
  • Example 7 An electrographic element was prepared as follows: A 63 g/m opaque conductive paper available as Product DR
  • a combined dielectric/adhesive coating mixture having protective and heat activated adhesive properties prepared as described in example 1 was applied to the release coated surface of the conductive base paper by the reverse roll coating method and dried to give a dry coat weight of 7.3 g/m 2 to form the electrographic element.
  • Rolls of the electrographic element were moisturized to a level of about 6% by weight and a four color image layer was deposited on the adhe ⁇ ive protective dielectric layer using the Versatec ® 8944 Color Electrostatic Printer of example 1 and standard toners and plotting conditions. Image quality was rated high.
  • the toned element was next laminated on a receptor sheet of ScotchCalTM 220 pressure sensitive vinyl in the same manner as described in example 1. Following lamination, the base was removed approximately 10 sec. after the composite was removed from the hot nip. The image and the combined dielectric and adhesive coating remained adhered to the vinyl while the release coating remained on the conductive paper. The image on the receptor sheet, had a low glare surface with a 75° gloss of between 40 and 45%. It withstood gentle scribing with 4H and 8H pencils.
  • Methyl ethyl ketone 9.55 Calcined clay ⁇ 10) (ave. particle size 1.4 ⁇ m) 0.50
  • the toluene was added to a ves ⁇ el and ⁇ tirred with a Lightnin mixer.
  • the Kraton ® was added slowly and mixed under slow agitation.
  • the remaining ingredients were added in the sequence shown and mixed with a Dispermat ® mixer under slow speed agitation and then allowed to mix for 10 minutes at high speed.
  • the two mixtures were then blended in a vessel and stirred at slow speed with the Dispermat ® mixer.
  • the laminating step was next performed as described in example 1 except that the receptor substrate was Rexcal ® 4000, a pressure sensitive vinyl polymer available from Rexham Branded Products, Lancaster, South Carolina.
  • the base was stripped from the combined dielectric and adhesive layer comprising the image layer structure, with the break occurring between the release layer on the base and the combined dielectric and adhesive layer on the image layer structure.
  • An electrographic element was prepared as follows: A conductive coating solution was prepared from the following ingredients: Ingredient Parts By Weight
  • a dielectric layer coating solution wa ⁇ prepared from the following ingredient ⁇ .
  • An adhesive layer coating solution was prepared from the following ingredients.
  • the coating solution was made by mixing the methyl ' ethyl ketone, toluene and urethane resin for 30 minutes with a high speed Lightnin ® mixer. Amorphous silica was then added and mixed for 5 minutes. The solution was overcoated onto the previously coated film u ⁇ ing a meyer rod and dried 5 at 115°C for two minutes to give a dry coating thickness of 2.0 ⁇ m to form the electrographic element.
  • the imaged layer was applied to the surface of the imaging layer structure of the electrographic element formed above, by using a Versatec ® V-80 electrostatic plotter 0 operated at conventional plotting conditions.
  • the laminating step was performed by first laying the imaged electrographic element on a sheet of 201bs xerographic bond paper so that the imaged layer contacted the paper sheet. This composite was then passed through the 5 hot nip of a hot roll laminator at a speed of 2.54 cm per second and at a pres ⁇ ure of 30 Kg/cm 2 .
  • the hot nip consisted of a heated steel roll at a temperature of 115°C and a hard polyurethane backing roll of a B.F. Perkins laboratory calender.
  • Example 11 The process of Example 9 was repeated except that the laminating ⁇ tep was performed by first laying the imaged electrographic element on a 100 ⁇ m (4 mil) thick white vinyl film sheet so that the imaged layer contacted the vinyl 0 sheet. This composite sample was then laminated as in example 9 using B.F. Perkins laboratory calender. Within 10 seconds of the exit of the laminated composite from the hot nip, the polyethylene terephthalate support contiguous to the conductive layer was stripped therefrom. 5 Example 11
  • An electrographic element containing an interposed protective layer was made as follow ⁇ :
  • An abrasion resistant coating solution was prepared from the following ingredients.
  • Syloid ® ⁇ S Amorphous silica (ave. particle size 3 ⁇ m) 0.01
  • the cellulose acetate propionate was added to the solvent blend slowly under a high speed Lightnin ® mixer. When fully dissolved, the amorphous silica was then added and mixed for five minutes. The melamine resin and acid catalyst were added and mixed for an additional 15 minutes. The resulting lacquer was then coated on a -25 ⁇ m (1 mil) thick, untreated, polyethylene terephthalate film using a meyer rod and dried at 115°C for two minutes to give a dry coating thickness of 2.5 ⁇ m.
  • a conductive coating solution was prepared from the following ingredients: Ingredient Parts By Weight Methyl alcohol 80.0
  • a dielectric layer coating solution was prepared from the following ingredients. Ingredient Parts By Weight
  • An adhesive layer coating solution was prepared as in example 9 and was coated over the dielectric layer.
  • a toned image was generated on the adhe ⁇ ive ⁇ urface of the imaging layer ⁇ tructure of the electrographic element formed above, by u ⁇ ing a Ver ⁇ atec ® V-80 electro ⁇ tatic plotter operated at conventional plotting conditions.
  • the imaged element was laminated on a sheet of 201bs. xerographic bond paper as in example 9. After the laminated composite had cooled to room temperature, the remaining polyethylene terephthalate support was stripped from the protective layer of the paper backed electrographic image. The protected electrographic image produced could withstand scribing with a 4H pencil with no removal of the protective layer or image.
  • An electrographic element was prepared as follows: A conductive coating solution which was Chemistat ® 7005 (15> was applied to a sheet of 551b conductive opaque base paper (supplied as OCB90 by Chartham Paper Mill, Canterbury, Kent, U.K. ) with a #6 meyer rod and dried in an air dried oven at 115"C for two minutes to give a dry coating thicknes ⁇ of -2 ⁇ m.
  • a conductive coating solution which was Chemistat ® 7005 (15> was applied to a sheet of 551b conductive opaque base paper (supplied as OCB90 by Chartham Paper Mill, Canterbury, Kent, U.K. ) with a #6 meyer rod and dried in an air dried oven at 115"C for two minutes to give a dry coating thicknes ⁇ of -2 ⁇ m.
  • a dielectric layer coating solution was prepared from the following ingredients. Ingredient Parts By Weight
  • Dowanol ® PM ( ⁇ 22 Polyvinyl butyral (Butvar ® B-79 3) ) 10
  • the above ingredients were added in the order shown and mixed using a Dispermat ® mixer for 15 minutes.
  • the solution was nvercoated onto the previously coated film using a #14 meyer rod and dried at 115°C for two minutes to give a dry coating thickness of - 3 ⁇ m.
  • An adhesive layer coating solution was prepared from the following ingredients. Ingredient Parts By Weight
  • the coating solution was made by mixing the ingredients with a high speed Lightnin ® mixer until the polycaprolactone was completely in solution.
  • the solution was overcoated onto the previously coated film using a #6 meyer rod and dried at 115°C for two minutes to give a dry coating thickness of -2 ⁇ m to form the electrographic element. After conditioning a sample of the electrographic element formed above was imaged using the plotter of example 9.
  • the laminating step was performed by first laying the imaged electrographic element on an adhesively backed sheet of -0.1 mm (4 mil) thick untreated ca ⁇ t vinyl polymer having a removable release liner so that the imaged layer contacted the vinyl sheet. This composite was then passed through the hot nip of an IT 6000 hot roll laminator at a speed of -1.02 cm/second, at a temperature of - 121 ° C and at a pressure of - 70 kg/cm 2 . The laminated composite exiting the hot nip was cooled to room temperature (5 minutes) and the two sheet ⁇ were pulled apart leaving image and dielectric coatings on the vinyl sheet and the conductive layer on the conductive paper sheet.
  • An electrographic element was prepared and processed as described in Example 12 except that the laminating ⁇ tep wa ⁇ performed by fir ⁇ t laying the imaged electrographic element on a sheet of - 0.14 mm thick cling vinyl coated with an ink receptive layer and backed with a 10 pt. paper liner (Flexmark ® CV600 W, manufactured by Flexcon Co., Inc.,Spencer MA.) so that the imaged layer contacted the vinyl sheet.
  • This composite was then passed through the hot nip of an IT 6000 hot roll laminator under the same conditions as in example 12. The laminated composite exiting the hot nip was cooled to room temperature (1 minute) and the two sheet ⁇ were pulled apart leaving image, dielectric, and conductive coatings on the cling vinyl sheet.
  • Example 14 An electrographic element was prepared a ⁇ described in Example 12 except that the dielectric layer coating solution was prepared from the following ingredient ⁇ . Ingredient Parts By Weight
  • Dowanol ® PM (a) 3.8 Polyvinyl butyral (Butvar ® B-76 ⁇ 2> ) 10.0
  • Example 15 An electrographic element was prepared as follows: A conductive coating solution was prepared from the following ingredients:
  • the above ingredients were added in the order shown and mixed in a Lightnin ® mixer for 10 minutes.
  • the coating solution was then applied to a -50 ⁇ m (2 mil) thick, untreated, polyethylene terephthalate film web using a reverse roll coater and hot air dried to give a dry coating weight of 2.4 g/m 2 .
  • a dielectric layer coating solution was prepared from the following ingredients. Ingredient Parts By Weight Dowanol ® PM' 8 ' 5.86 Toluene 49.19
  • Methyl ethyl ketone 19.10 Translink ® Calcined clay' 10 ' (ave. particle size 1.4 ⁇ m) 1.00 Syloid ® ' 5 ' 74 Amorphous silica (Ave. Part. Size 9 ⁇ m) 2.10 Styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (Lustran* 33-1000' 11 ') 22.75
  • An adhesive layer coating solution was prepared from the following ingredients. Ingredient Parts By Weight
  • the coating solution wa ⁇ made by first adding the . methyl ethyl ketone, toluene and propylene glycol methyl ether acetate to a 55 gallon tub containing a Lightnin ® mixer. The calcined clay and the amorphous silica slurry were then added and mixed for 30 minutes. Polycaprolactone was then ⁇ lowly added under agitation and allowed to mix until dissolved. The urethane resin was then slowly added under agitation and allowed to mix until dis ⁇ olved. The resulting coating solution was overcoated onto the previously coated film web using a rever ⁇ e roll coater and hot air dried to give a dry coating thickness of 2.0 ⁇ m, to form the electrographic element.
  • Samples of the coated film web were slit to 36 inch (- 91.4 cm) width, conditioned at 50% RH and imaged in a Calcomp ® 6800 series color electrostatic plotter using standard toners and plotting conditions to form a four color imaged layer on the adhesive surface of the electrographic element.
  • the laminating step was performed by first laying the imaged electrographic element on a sheet of Rexcal ® 4000-000 clear cast vinyl sheet (a product of Rexham Branded Products, Lanca ⁇ ter, South Carolina) ⁇ o that the imaged layer contacted the vinyl sheet. This composite was then pas ⁇ ed through the hot nip of an IT 6000 hot roll laminator at a speed of 1.02 cm/second, at a temperature of 121°C and at a pressure of 70 kg/cm 2 . Within 15 seconds of the exit of the laminated composite from the hot nip, the polyethylene terephthalate support contiguous to the conductive layer was stripped therefrom.
  • Rexcal ® 4000-000 clear cast vinyl sheet a product of Rexham Branded Products, Lanca ⁇ ter, South Carolina
  • An electrographic element was prepared and processed as described in Example 15 except that the laminating step was performed by first laying the imaged electrographic element on a sheet of Rexcal ® 4000-000 clear cast vinyl sheet ⁇ o that the imaged layer contacted the vinyl ⁇ heet. Thi ⁇ compo ⁇ ite wa ⁇ then laminated in a Heat Lamp Vacuum Applicator (a product of Graco Manufacturing Inc., Nile ⁇ , Michigan), u ⁇ ing a bake temperature of 118°C and a bake time of 10 minute ⁇ . Within 15 seconds of the removal of the laminated composite from the Heat Lamp Vacuum Applicator, the polyethylene terephthalate support contiguous to the conductive layer was stripped therefrom. Example 17 .
  • a Heat Lamp Vacuum Applicator a product of Graco Manufacturing Inc., Nile ⁇ , Michigan
  • An electrographic element was constructed by extrusion coating a polymeric resin onto a conductive carrier sheet.
  • the conductive carrier sheet was conductivized opaque 90 g/m 2 paper base (supplied as OCB90 by Chartham Paper Mill, Canterbury, Kent, U.K.).
  • Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol ( Kuraray EPE 105A) was extruded onto the base using an extrusion coater to a coating weight of 9 g/m 2 at a coating line ⁇ peed of 30 m/min. to form an image receptive dielectric layer having weak adhesion to the carrier sheet.
  • EVOH Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol
  • the coated carrier ⁇ heet wa ⁇ then slit to form 11 inch wide ⁇ tock web (about 28 cm);
  • a monochrome toned electrographic image wa ⁇ produced on the dielectric image receptive layer with a Versatec V80 plotter. This image was a mirror image of the desired image.
  • An adhesive layer coating solution was prepared as in example 9 and was coated onto the vinyl side of ScotchCalTM 220 adhesive backed vinyl.
  • the mixture wa ⁇ dried in a forced air oven for 30 ⁇ ec at 115°C.
  • the material wa ⁇ cooled before any u ⁇ e. After cooling the ⁇ urface wa ⁇ substantially tack free.
  • the contacting and adhering step was performed by first laying the imaged electrographic element from example 1 on to the vinyl ⁇ o that the imaged layer contacted the layer of urethane. Thi ⁇ composite was then passed through the hot nip of a hot roll laminator at a speed of 0.61 m/min at a pressure of 6.33 kg/cm 2 (cylinder pres ⁇ ure) and at 107°C. After the compo ⁇ ite had cooled to room temperature the ba ⁇ e wa ⁇ ⁇ tripped from the image layer ⁇ tructure. The image on the vinyl ⁇ upport wa ⁇ viewed through the dielectric layer and wa ⁇ properly oriented. The image integrity and the vi ⁇ ual quality were retained. The image had an attractive lustrous appearance. Example 18.
  • Example 18 The process of example 18 was repeated but the image wa ⁇ tran ⁇ ferred onto a wood ⁇ urface that had been coated by spraying with 3M ScotchTM Brand Spray MountTM Artist ⁇ Adhe ⁇ ive.
  • Example 20 The process of example 18 was repeated but the image wa ⁇ tran ⁇ ferred onto a wood ⁇ urface that had been coated by spraying with 3M ScotchTM Brand Spray MountTM Artist ⁇ Adhe ⁇ ive.
  • An electrographic element prepared in accordance with example 17 was imaged in a Versatec Spectrum color printer using Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black liquid toners. The image was then contacted and adhered onto a cardboard sheet having an adhesive coated thereon.
  • the cardboard with the adhesive coated thereon is supplied by Pres-On Merchandizing Corporation of Madison 111. under the trade name "50 pt. Claycote, Lo-tack", and exhibits adhe ⁇ ive propertie ⁇ at room temperature. Following the adhering ⁇ tep, the carrier ⁇ heet wa ⁇ removed and the dielectric image receptive layer with the image remained on the cardboard, with the dielectric layer overlaying the image.
  • Example 21 A conductive carrier was prepared by coating -0.50 ⁇ m (2 mil) thick untreated Polyethylene Terephthalate film (PET) with a conductive coating prepared by adding in a portable mix tank, 38.00 parts of Ethyl Alcohol and 38.00 part ⁇ of Deionized Water and mixing therewith with a Lightning mixer for 10 minute ⁇ , 24 part ⁇ of Chemi ⁇ tat ® 6300H containing 8% ⁇ olid ⁇ .
  • the coating wa ⁇ applied using reverse roll coating and hot air drying at 115°C for two minutes to give a dry coating weight of 2.4 g/m 2 .
  • the conductivized carrier sheet was next reverse roll coated with a dielectric layer to achieve a dry dielectric layer coating weight of 4.8 g/m 2 . Hot air drying was again used.
  • the dielectric layer was prepared as follows: 5.86 parts by weight of Dowanol ® PM, 49.19 parts by weight of Toluene and 19.10 parts by weight of Methyl Ethyl Ketone were added to a Kady Zolver Tank. To the mixture were added 2.10 parts by weight of Syloid 74 Amorphous Silica and 1.00 part by weight of Translink ® calcined clay under very slow speed agitation, and then allowed to mix for 30 minutes under high speed agitation. After this, 22.75 parts by weight of Lustran ® ' 11 ' 33-1000 were added very ⁇ lowly under slow speed agitation and mixed at high speed for 60 minutes.
  • the dielectric image receptive layer and the toned color image were ⁇ uccessfully tran ⁇ ferred to a steel and to a wood surface both which had previously been coated with 3M ScotchTM Brand Spray MountTM Artists Adhesive, using the proces ⁇ of example ⁇ 18 and 19 above re ⁇ pectively.
  • the carrier layer was removed after contacting and adhering the imaged layer with the tacky permanent receptor leaving on the permanent receptor a right reading image of the original , covered by a transparent dielectric layer.
  • Example 23 An electrographic element was prepared and imaged as in example 7.
  • a cold mounting pres ⁇ ure sensitive adhesive film (ClearmountTM from Sall etall of Dallas, Texas) wa ⁇ applied to white pres ⁇ ure ⁇ en ⁇ itive vinyl (RexcalTM 4000 from Rexham Branded Products, Lancaster, South Carolina) and the backing sheet removed to expose the adhesive.
  • the imaged element was applied to the adhesive with modest pres ⁇ ure from a wiping tool without heat. Thu ⁇ the adhesive properties of the combined dielectric and adhesive layer were not activated.
  • the base was then removed, the break occurring between the release layer and the combined dielectric and adhe ⁇ ive layer.
  • the toned image and the dielectric coating remained adhered to the vinyl sheet and the relea ⁇ e coating remained on the paper. Image quality was good. Transfer was complete.
  • Example 24 A cold mounting pres ⁇ ure sensitive adhesive film (ClearmountTM from Sall etall of Dallas, Texas) wa ⁇ applied to white pres ⁇ ure ⁇ en ⁇ itive vinyl
  • Example 23 The adhesive laminating film of Example 23 was applied to a 4 inch diameter galvanized steel can and the backing sheet removed.
  • An imaged element prepared as described in Example 23 was applied to the adhesive layer with modest pres ⁇ ure from a wiping tool.
  • the temporary carrier ⁇ heet wa ⁇ removed to expo ⁇ e the image. Image quality was good and transfer was complete.
  • Example 25 The steps of Example 23 were followed except that the paper used in the base was opaque conductive paper, 70 g/m 2 , Product OCB-12 from Chartham Paper Mills, Canterbury, Kent, U.K. Image quality was good.

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Abstract

Nouveau procédé permettant la production d'images électrographiques tout en couleurs, exemptes de distorsions, et protégées, pour affiches et placards de grands formats et similaires. L'invention concerne également un nouvel élément électrophotograhique (10) comprenant un support (11), une couche de séparation (15) et une couche combinée diélectrique et adhésive thermoactivée (16) qui est sensiblement non-adhésive à la température et à la pression ambiantes. Le nouveau procédé de reprographie électrographique comprend les étapes suivantes: A) production d'une image de toner constituant une couche sur la surface de l' élément électrographique (10), et B) application par pression du substrat récepteur (50), à une température élevée, sur l'image de toner, pour former l'image électrographique terminée. Eventuellement, le support (11) et la couche de séparation (15) peuvent être enlevés de la couche diélectrique/adhésive (16) qui protège alors l'image de toner transférée, générée par procédé électrographique, contre l'abrasion et les contaminants contenus dans l'environnement.
PCT/US1994/003626 1993-04-02 1994-03-31 Element et procede electrographiques WO1994022667A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP94912935A EP0691904B1 (fr) 1993-04-02 1994-03-31 Element et procede electrographiques
DE69417022T DE69417022T2 (de) 1993-04-02 1994-03-31 Elektrographischen element und verfahren
AU65294/94A AU6529494A (en) 1993-04-02 1994-03-31 Electrographic element and process
CA002159594A CA2159594C (fr) 1993-04-02 1994-03-31 Element electrographique et procede correspondant
JP6522425A JP3071465B2 (ja) 1993-04-02 1994-03-31 電子写真エレメントおよびプロセス

Applications Claiming Priority (8)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US4227893A 1993-04-02 1993-04-02
US08/042,278 1993-04-02
US11556293A 1993-09-03 1993-09-03
US08/115,563 US5363179A (en) 1993-04-02 1993-09-03 Electrographic imaging process
US08/115,563 1993-09-03
US08/115,562 1993-09-03
US08/219,395 US5483321A (en) 1993-04-02 1994-03-29 Electrographic element having a combined dielectric/adhesive layer and process for use in making an image
US08/219,395 1994-03-29

Publications (1)

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WO1994022667A1 true WO1994022667A1 (fr) 1994-10-13

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EP (1) EP0691904B1 (fr)
JP (1) JP3071465B2 (fr)
AU (1) AU6529494A (fr)
CA (1) CA2159594C (fr)
DE (2) DE69430854T2 (fr)
ES (1) ES2130417T3 (fr)
WO (1) WO1994022667A1 (fr)

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GB2306136A (en) * 1995-10-12 1997-04-30 Jeffrey Darrel Beale Producing paperless laminates with electrographic images
WO2000048841A1 (fr) * 1999-02-19 2000-08-24 Tideman John D Jr Systeme de reproduction d'image sur grande surface
JP2000516159A (ja) * 1996-07-25 2000-12-05 ミネソタ マイニング アンド マニュファクチャリング カンパニー 画像受容媒体上に画像を形成する方法
EP1431067A2 (fr) * 1998-09-19 2004-06-23 Polycarta Limited Décalcomanie
US7205046B2 (en) 2002-06-04 2007-04-17 Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. Electrophotographic lamination film, a method of producing the same, and a method of forming an image
JP2010230700A (ja) * 2009-03-25 2010-10-14 Fuji Xerox Co Ltd 画像記録体の製造方法、および画像記録体の製造装置

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KR102038873B1 (ko) * 2018-05-04 2019-10-31 주식회사 웨이블 열가소성 폴리우레탄 열전사지를 이용한 열전사 방법

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EP0437073A2 (fr) * 1990-01-03 1991-07-17 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Procédé de formation d'images électrostatique par développement par toner pour des signaux externes
US5102768A (en) * 1990-03-12 1992-04-07 Eastman Kodak Company Transfer of high resolution toned images to rough papers
US5244524A (en) * 1990-04-09 1993-09-14 Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Printing method for thermally transferring image section of print sheet to image receiving member
US5108865A (en) * 1990-04-18 1992-04-28 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Offset transfer of toner images in electrography
US5270282A (en) * 1990-06-22 1993-12-14 Imperial Chemical Industries Plc Receiver sheet
US5296444A (en) * 1991-04-26 1994-03-22 Fujicopian Co., Ltd. Sublimation transfer method and heat-melt transfer medium used in the method
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Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2306136A (en) * 1995-10-12 1997-04-30 Jeffrey Darrel Beale Producing paperless laminates with electrographic images
JP2000516159A (ja) * 1996-07-25 2000-12-05 ミネソタ マイニング アンド マニュファクチャリング カンパニー 画像受容媒体上に画像を形成する方法
EP1431067A2 (fr) * 1998-09-19 2004-06-23 Polycarta Limited Décalcomanie
EP1431067A3 (fr) * 1998-09-19 2004-07-28 Polycarta Limited Décalcomanie
WO2000048841A1 (fr) * 1999-02-19 2000-08-24 Tideman John D Jr Systeme de reproduction d'image sur grande surface
US7205046B2 (en) 2002-06-04 2007-04-17 Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. Electrophotographic lamination film, a method of producing the same, and a method of forming an image
JP2010230700A (ja) * 2009-03-25 2010-10-14 Fuji Xerox Co Ltd 画像記録体の製造方法、および画像記録体の製造装置

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0691904A1 (fr) 1996-01-17
DE69430854D1 (de) 2002-07-25
CA2159594A1 (fr) 1994-10-13
AU6529494A (en) 1994-10-24
CA2159594C (fr) 2002-05-28
JP3071465B2 (ja) 2000-07-31
JPH08509071A (ja) 1996-09-24
EP0691904B1 (fr) 1999-03-10
DE69417022D1 (de) 1999-04-15
DE69430854T2 (de) 2003-01-23
ES2130417T3 (es) 1999-07-01
DE69417022T2 (de) 1999-09-23
EP0691904A4 (fr) 1997-04-16

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